Walter Johnston Smith

Walter Johnston Smith Jr. passed away peacefully at the Randolph Hospice House on Wednesday July 21, 2017.

Walter was born on July 26, 1929 in Buncombe County North Carolina to Walter Johnston Smith Sr. and Frances Parker Smith.

He lived most of his life in Randolph County and after completing secondary education he began his career as a lino-type operator at the "Greensboro Daily" (News & Record). Walter enjoyed reading; his favorite subjects included history and travel. He had a large collection of vinyl record albums and western movies which he enjoyed on a regular basis. One of Walter's favorite hobbies included raising and breeding rabbits, he was considered an expert on the subject and was at one time the president of the North Carolina Rabbit Breeders Association and published a periodic journal on the subject. Walter was often known to take his rabbits and be interviewed by the Greensboro television station. Walter was an US Army Veteran serving in Korea and was active in his community as long as his health permitted. Walter was kind to others and generous to a fault.

He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by several cousins.

Mr Smith will lie in state, Monday, June 26, 2017 from 10:00 am - 5:00 PM at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue, Asheboro, NC.

Burial will be Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at in the Oakwood Cemetery, Hwy 39 North, Louisburg, NC.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the staff at Carillon, Clapp's Nursing Home, and the Hospice House for the quality service and care that has been shown to Walter.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that any memorials be made to the Randolph Hospice House, 416 Vision Drive, Asheboro, NC 27203.